System and method for interfacing with a reduced pressure dressing

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices, and methods for treating a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure are presented. In one instance, a reduced-pressure interface includes a conduit housing having a cavity divided by a dividing wall into a reduced-pressure-application region and a pressure-detection region. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a reduced-pressure port disposed within the reduced-pressure-application region, a pressure-detection port disposed within the pressure-detection region, and a base connected to the conduit housing, the base having a manifold-contacting surface. The dividing wall includes a surface substantially coplanar with the manifold-contacting surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/185,326, filed Feb. 20, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/183,929, filed Jul. 15, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,690,845, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/365,252, filed Jul. 16, 2010, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to medical treatment systems, and more particularly, to reduced-pressure treatment systems, apparatuses, and methods for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site.

2. Description of Related Art

Clinical studies and practice have shown that providing a reduced pressure in proximity to a tissue site augments and accelerates the growth of new tissue at the tissue site. The applications of this phenomenon are numerous, but application of reduced pressure has been particularly successful in treating wounds. This treatment (frequently referred to in the medical community as “negative pressure wound therapy,” “reduced pressure therapy,” or “vacuum therapy”) provides a number of benefits, including faster healing and increased formulation of granulation tissue. Typically, reduced pressure is applied to tissue through a porous pad or other manifolding device. The porous pad contains cells or pores that are capable of distributing reduced pressure to the tissue and channeling fluids that are drawn from the tissue. The porous pad often is incorporated into a dressing having other components that facilitate treatment.

SUMMARY

The problems presented by existing reduced-pressure systems are solved by the systems, apparatuses, and methods of the illustrative embodiments described herein. In one embodiment, a reduced-pressure interface for connecting a reduced-pressure source to a manifold pad to treat a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure is provided and includes a conduit housing having a cavity divided by a dividing wall into a reduced-pressure-application region and a pressure-detection region. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a reduced-pressure port disposed within the reduced-pressure-application region, a pressure-detection port disposed within the pressure-detection region, and a base connected to the conduit housing, the base having a manifold-contacting surface. The dividing wall includes a surface substantially coplanar with the manifold-contacting surface.

In another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure interface for connecting a reduced-pressure source to a manifold pad to treat a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure includes a conduit housing having a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity separated from the second cavity by a wall. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a reduced-pressure port within the first cavity, a pressure-detection port within the second cavity, a flange connected to the conduit housing, the flange having a manifold-contacting surface, and at least one channel disposed in the manifold-contacting surface of the flange to transmit reduced pressure from the first cavity to the second cavity.

In another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure interface for connecting a reduced-pressure source to a manifold pad to treat a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure includes a conduit housing having a cavity divided by a dividing wall into a reduced-pressure-application region and a pressure-detection region. The reduced-pressure source further includes a pressure-detection lumen disposed within the pressure-detection region, at least one fluid trap within the pressure-detection region proximate the pressure-detection lumen, and a base connected to the conduit housing, the base having a manifold-contacting surface.

In another illustrative embodiment, a method of providing reduced-pressure treatment to a tissue site of a patient includes positioning a reduced-pressure interface proximate a manifold pad positioned at the tissue site. A portion of the manifold pad is drawn into a first cavity of the reduced-pressure interface by delivering a reduced pressure to the first cavity, and a fluid flows between a cavity surface of the first cavity and the manifold pad.

In another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure treatment system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a manifold pad for placing proximate the tissue site and a reduced-pressure interface fluidly coupled to the manifold pad. The reduced-pressure interface includes a conduit housing having a cavity divided by a dividing wall into a reduced-pressure-application region and a pressure-detection region. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a reduced-pressure port disposed within the reduced-pressure-application region, a pressure-detection port disposed within the pressure-detection region, a base connected to the conduit housing, the base having a manifold-contacting surface, and wherein the dividing wall includes a surface substantially coplanar with the manifold-contacting surface. The reduced-pressure treatment system further includes a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure interface and operable to supply reduced pressure to the manifold pad.

In another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure treatment system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a manifold pad for placing proximate the tissue site and a reduced-pressure interface fluidly coupled to the manifold pad. The reduced-pressure interface includes a conduit housing having a first cavity and a second cavity, and a wall for separating the first cavity from the second cavity. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a reduced-pressure port within the first cavity, a pressure-detection port within the second cavity, a flange connected to the conduit housing, the flange having a manifold-contacting surface, and at least one channel disposed in the manifold-contacting surface of the flange to transmit reduced pressure from the first cavity to the second cavity. The reduced-pressure treatment system further includes a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure interface and operable to supply reduced pressure to the manifold pad.

In another illustrative embodiment, a reduced-pressure treatment system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a manifold pad for placing proximate the tissue site and a reduced-pressure interface fluidly coupled to the manifold pad. The reduced-pressure interface includes a conduit housing having a cavity divided by a dividing wall into a reduced-pressure-application region and a pressure-detection region. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a pressure-detection lumen disposed within the pressure-detection region, at least one fluid trap within the pressure-detection region proximate the pressure-detection lumen, and a base connected to the conduit housing having a manifold-contacting surface. The reduced-pressure treatment system further includes a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure interface and operable to supply reduced pressure to the manifold pad.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the illustrative embodiments will become apparent with reference to the drawings and detailed description that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram, in perspective view with a portion in cross-section, of a reduced-pressure treatment system for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site, according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a reduced-pressure interface of the reduced-pressure treatment system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the reduced-pressure interface of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom, perspective view of the reduced-pressure interface of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the reduced-pressure interface of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed view of a portion or the reduced-pressure interface of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of the reduced-pressure interface of FIG. 5 taken at line 6-6;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional, side view of the reduced-pressure interface of FIG. 5 taken at line 7-7;

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the reduced-pressure interface of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 8A illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the reduced-pressure interface of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments are defined only by the appended claims. Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, “or” does not require mutual exclusivity.

The term “reduced pressure” as used herein generally refers to a pressure less than the ambient pressure at a tissue site that is being subjected to treatment. In most cases, this reduced pressure will be less than the atmospheric pressure at which the patient is located. Alternatively, the reduced pressure may be less than a hydrostatic pressure associated with tissue at the tissue site. Although the terms “vacuum” and “negative pressure” may be used to describe the pressure applied to the tissue site, the actual pressure reduction applied to the tissue site may be significantly less than the pressure reduction normally associated with a complete vacuum. Reduced pressure may initially generate fluid flow in the area of the tissue site. As the hydrostatic pressure around the tissue site approaches the desired reduced pressure, the flow may subside, and the reduced pressure is then maintained. Unless otherwise indicated, values of pressure stated herein are gauge pressures. Similarly, references to increases in reduced pressure typically refer to a decrease in absolute pressure, while decreases in reduced pressure typically refer to an increase in absolute pressure.

Referring to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a reduced-pressure treatment system 100 for treating a tissue site 101 on a patient with reduced pressure includes a dressing 102 placed proximate to the tissue site 101, and a reduced-pressure treatment device 104 fluidly coupled to the dressing 102. As used herein, the term “tissue site” may refer to a wound or defect located on or within any tissue, including but not limited to, bone tissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, neural tissue, dermal tissue, vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, or ligaments. The term “tissue site” may further refer to areas of any tissue that are not necessarily wounded or defective, but are instead areas in which it is desired to add or promote the growth of additional tissue. For example, reduced pressure tissue treatment may be used in certain tissue areas to grow additional tissue that may be harvested and transplanted to another tissue location.

The dressing 102 may include a manifold pad 106 place proximate the tissue site 101, a reduced-pressure interface 108 fluidly coupled to the manifold pad 106, and a sealing member 110. The sealing member 110, or drape, may be placed over the manifold pad 106 and a portion of a patient's epidermis 103 to create a fluid seal between the sealing member 110 and the epidermis 103. The sealing member 110 may include an adhesive 109 or bonding agent to secure the sealing member 110 to the epidermis 103. In one embodiment, the adhesive 109 may be used to create a seal between the sealing member 110 and the epidermis 103 to prevent leakage of reduced pressure from the tissue site 101. In another embodiment, a seal layer (not shown) such as, for example, a hydrogel or other material may be disposed between the sealing member 110 and the epidermis 103 to augment or substitute for the sealing properties of the adhesive 109. As used herein, “fluid seal” means a seal adequate to maintain reduced pressure at a desired site given the particular reduced-pressure source involved.

The term “manifold” as used herein generally refers to a substance or structure that is provided to assist in applying reduced pressure to, delivering fluids to, or removing fluids from the tissue site 101. The manifold pad 106 typically includes a plurality of flow channels or pathways that distribute fluids provided to and removed from the tissue site around the manifold pad 106. In one illustrative embodiment, the flow channels or pathways are interconnected to improve distribution of fluids provided or removed from the tissue site 101. Examples of manifold pads 106 may include, for example, without limitation, devices that have structural elements arranged to form flow channels, such as, for example, cellular foam, open-cell foam, porous tissue collections, liquids, gels, and foams that include, or cure to include, flow channels. In one embodiment, the manifold pad 106 is a porous foam and includes a plurality of interconnected cells or pores that act as flow channels. The porous foam may be a polyurethane, open-cell, reticulated foam such as GranuFoam® material manufactured by Kinetic Concepts, Incorporated of San Antonio, Tex. Other embodiments may include closed cells.

The reduced-pressure interface 108 may be positioned adjacent to or coupled to the sealing member 110 to provide fluid access to the manifold pad 106. In one embodiment, the sealing member 110 is placed over the reduced-pressure interface 108 and a portion of the patient's epidermis 103 to create a fluid seal between the sealing member 110 and the epidermis 103. The sealing member 110 has an aperture (not shown) for providing fluid access between the reduced-pressure interface 108 and the manifold pad 106. The sealing member 110 is placed adjacent to the manifold pad 106 to create a fluid seal between the sealing member 110 and the epidermis 103. The reduced-pressure interface 108 is placed on top of and fluidly sealed to the sealing member 110. A reduced-pressure delivery conduit 112 fluidly couples the reduced-pressure treatment device 104 and the reduced-pressure interface 108. The reduced-pressure interface 108 allows the reduced pressure to be delivered to the tissue site 101. While the amount and nature of reduced pressure applied to the tissue site 101 will typically vary according to the application, the reduced-pressure treatment device 104 will typically provide reduced pressure between −5 mm Hg and −500 mm Hg and more typically between −100 mm Hg and −300 mm Hg.

The reduced-pressure treatment device 104 may include a collection canister 114 in fluid communication with a reduced-pressure source 116. The reduced-pressure delivery conduit 112 may be a multi-lumen tube that provides a continuous conduit between the reduced-pressure interface 108 and an inlet 120 positioned on the collection canister 114. Liquids or exudates communicated from the manifold pad 106 through the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 112 are removed from the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 112 and retained within the collection canister 114.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the reduced-pressure source 116 is an electrically-driven vacuum pump. In another implementation, the reduced-pressure source 116 may instead be a manually-actuated or manually-charged pump that does not require electrical power. The reduced-pressure source 116 instead may be any other type of reduced pressure pump, or alternatively a wall suction port such as those available in hospitals and other medical facilities. The reduced-pressure source 116 may be housed within or used in conjunction with the reduced-pressure treatment device 104, which may also contain sensors, processing units, alarm indicators, memory, databases, software, display units, and user interfaces 111 that further facilitate the application of reduced pressure treatment to the tissue site 101. In one example, pressure-detection sensors (not shown) may be disposed at or near the reduced-pressure source 116. The pressure-detection sensors may be fluidly connected to one or more lumens in the reduced-pressure delivery conduit 112 such that a pressure reading identical to or approximating the pressure at the tissue site may be ascertained. The pressure-detection sensors may communicate with a processing unit that monitors and controls the reduced pressure that is delivered by the reduced-pressure source 116.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-8A, an illustrative embodiment of the reduced-pressure interface 108 is presented in more detail. The reduced-pressure interface 108 includes a conduit housing 126 and a base 128. The conduit housing 126 includes a cavity 130 that may be “dome” shaped. The cavity 130 may be divided by a wall or dividing wall 132 into a first cavity 134 and a second cavity 136. The first cavity 134 is a reduced-pressure-application region 138 and the second cavity 136 is a pressure-detection region 140.

The reduced-pressure-application region 138 includes a reduced-pressure port 142 connected to a reduced-pressure lumen 144. The reduced-pressure port 142 and the reduced-pressure lumen 144 are operable to deliver reduced pressure to, and remove fluids from, the manifold pad 106 (see FIG. 1). The reduced-pressure-application region 138 may further include ridges 146. In an alternative embodiment, (not shown) the ridges 146 may be combined with, or substituted for, channels. Since the manifold pad 106 may be drawn into the first cavity 134 when reduced pressure is applied, the ridges 146 (or channels) may help prevent the manifold pad 106 from creating a seal against a cavity surface 148 of the reduced-pressure-application region 138.

Referring primarily to FIG. 5A, but also with reference to FIGS. 2-8A, the pressure-detection region 140 includes a first pressure-detection port 150 connected to a first pressure-detection lumen 152 and in one embodiment may further include a second pressure-detection port 154 connected to a second pressure-detection lumen 156. The pressure-detection ports 150, 154 and the respective pressure-detection lumens 152, 156 may permit fluid communication with the pressure-detection sensors located in the reduced-pressure treatment device 104 (see FIG. 1) such that the pressure or pressure fluctuations at the tissue site may be ascertained. As previously noted, information regarding pressure data and fluctuations may be communicated via reduced-pressure delivery conduit 112 (see FIG. 1). In the embodiments in which two pressure detection ports 150, 154 are provided, the first pressure-detection port 150 and the first pressure-detection lumen 152 are physically separate from the second pressure-detection port 154 and second pressure-detection lumen 156 to help reduce the possibility of both pressure-detection lumens 152, 156 being blocked by exudates or other means of blockage.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-8A, the first pressure-detection port and lumen 150 and 152 may be physically separated from the second pressure-detection port and lumen 154 and 156 by a barrier 157. The barrier 157 includes a surface 172 that may be substantially coplanar with a surface 170 of the dividing wall 132. The barrier 157 may include a first portion 186 substantially perpendicular to a second portion 188. The first portion 186 is substantially perpendicular to and connected to the dividing wall 132 and separates the first pressure-detection port and lumen 150 and 152 from the second pressure-detection port and lumen 154 and 156. The first portion 186 may be attached to the reduced-pressure lumen 144 at a first position 179 and a second position 181, wherein the first position 179 is opposed to the second position 181, to maintain separation between the pressure-detection lumens 152, 156. The second portion 188 of the barrier 157 may be substantially parallel to the dividing wall 132. The second portion 188 may function to shield the pressure-detection ports 150, 154 from fluids entering the pressure-detection region 140.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 8A, the pressure-detection region 140 may further include a first fluid trap 158 proximate the first pressure-detection port 150 for trapping or discouraging liquids from entering the first pressure-detection port 150. The first fluid trap 158 may include a first flow concentration region 160 for diverting fluids trapped in the first fluid trap 158 out of the pressure-detection region 140. Likewise, the pressure-detection region 140 may include a second fluid trap 162 proximate the second pressure-detection port 154 for trapping liquids from entering the second pressure-detection port 154. The second fluid trap 162 may include a second flow concentration region 164 for diverting fluids trapped in the second fluid trap 162 out of the pressure-detection region 140. The first fluid trap 158 and the second fluid trap 162 may be partially recessed within the pressure-detection region 140. The first fluid trap 158 may form a first basin 189 at least partially surrounded by first basin walls 191, and the second fluid trap 162 may form a second basin 190 at least partially surrounded by second basin walls 192.

The first flow concentration region 160 may have a first apex 161 formed at the divergence of at least two of the first basin walls 191 to create an acute angle, and the second flow concentration region 164 may have a second apex 165 formed at the divergence of at least two of the second basin walls 192 to create an acute angle. The first apex 161 may be diametrically opposed to the second apex 165. The flow concentration regions 160, 164 concentrate the flow of fluids into their respective apexes 161, 165. The first apex 161 may help divert fluids from the pressure-detection region 140 into the base 128 along a flow path 182. Likewise, the second apex 165 may help divert fluids from the pressure-detection region 140 into the base 128 along a flow path 184.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-8A, the base 128 of the reduced-pressure interface 108 may be a flange 166. The base 128 is connected to the conduit housing 126 and has a manifold-contacting surface 168. The manifold-contacting surface 168 may be substantially coplanar with the surfaces 170 of dividing wall 132 and the surfaces 172 of barrier 157.

The base 128 may include one or more channels 174 disposed in the manifold-contacting surface 168 for transmitting reduced pressure and fluids between the reduced-pressure-application region 138 and pressure-detection region 140. For example, the base 128 may include at least one continuous, circumferential channel 175. If more than one circumferential channels 175 are provided, the channels may be concentrically arranged. The base 128 may further include at least one first radial channel 176 or at least one second radial channel 178 disposed in the manifold-contacting surface 168. The first radial channel 176 may be in fluid communication with the reduced-pressure-application region 138 and the second radial channel 178 may be in fluid communication with the pressure-detection region 140. The circumferential channel 175 provides fluid communication between the first radial channel 176 and the second radial channel 178 for communicating reduced-pressure and fluids between the reduced-pressure-application region 138 and the pressure-detection region 140.

In operation, the channels 174 may transmit reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure-application region 138 to the pressure-detection region 140. Likewise, the channels 174 may help divert fluids from the apexes 161, 165 along respective flow paths 182, 184 into the reduced-pressure-application region 138.

In one embodiment, a method for providing reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site 101 includes positioning the reduced-pressure interface 108 proximate the manifold pad 106 positioned at the tissue site 101. The method may also include drawing a portion of the manifold pad 106 into the first cavity 134 of the reduced-pressure interface 108 by delivering the reduced pressure to the first cavity 134. The portion of the manifold pad 106 drawn into the first cavity 134 may substantially or completely fill the first cavity 134 such that the portion of the manifold pad 106 is in physical contact with the cavity surface 148 or the reduced-pressure port 142. In this embodiment, fluid may flow between the cavity surface 148 and the manifold pad 106. Fluid may be directed between the ridges 146 positioned on the cavity surface 148. Additionally, pressure within the second cavity 136 may be monitored.

In operation, drawing the portion of the manifold pad 106 into the first cavity 134 may allow the portion of the manifold pad 106 to decompress creating a pressure gradient within the manifold pad 106. The pressure gradient created within the manifold pad 106 may help encourage fluids towards the reduced-pressure port 142.

The reduced-pressure interface 108 may be constructed from materials known in the art that provide the appropriate flexibility and comfort to the patient while maintaining sufficient rigidity or resilience to maintain fluid communication pathways, such as ports, lumens, and channels.

It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention having significant advantages has been provided. While the invention is shown in only a few of its forms, it is not just limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

We claim:
 1. A reduced-pressure treatment interface, comprising: a housing having a first cavity separated from a second cavity by a wall; a reduced-pressure port in the wall facing the first cavity; a pressure-detection port within the second cavity; a flange connected to the housing; and at least one channel fluidly coupling the first cavity to the second cavity.
 2. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 1, further comprising a fluid-trap within the second cavity.
 3. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 2, wherein the fluid-trap further comprises a flow-concentration region.
 4. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 3, wherein the flow-concentration region is fluidly coupled to the at least one channel.
 5. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 4, wherein the fluid-trap is partially recessed within the second cavity.
 6. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 5, wherein the fluid trap forms a basin.
 7. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 6, wherein the basin is at least partially surrounded by a first basin wall and a second basin wall.
 8. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 7, wherein the first basin wall and the second basin wall converge at an apex.
 9. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 8, wherein the first basin wall and the second basin wall form an acute angle at the apex.
 10. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 9, wherein the flow-concentration region is configured to concentrate a flow of fluids into the apex.
 11. The reduced-pressure treatment interface of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel is disposed in a manifold contacting surface of the flange.
 12. A system for treating a tissue site, comprising: a manifold proximate the tissue site; a sealing member placed over the manifold; a reduced-pressure interface in fluid communication with the manifold, the reduced-pressure interface comprising: a housing having a first cavity separated from a second cavity by a wall, a reduced-pressure port located within a surface of the wall facing the first cavity, a pressure-detection port within the second cavity, a flange connected to the housing, the flange having a manifold-contacting surface, and at least one channel disposed in the manifold-contacting surface of the flange fluidly coupling the first cavity to the second cavity; and a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure port.
 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a fluid-trap within the second cavity.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the fluid-trap further comprises a flow-concentration region.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the flow-concentration region is fluidly coupled to the at least one channel.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the fluid-trap is partially recessed within the second cavity.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the fluid-trap forms a basin.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the basin is at least partially surrounded by a first basin wall and a second basin wall.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first basin wall and the second basin wall converge at an apex.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the first basin wall and the second basin wall form an acute angle at the basin.
 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the flow-concentration region is configured to concentrate a flow of fluids into the apex. 